Wondering who we are?
The Team
We're tax prepares, bookkeepers, and an accountant dedicated to helping our client's thrive. We're friendly, helpful and effective.
Jillian Battaglio, CPA, CA, Chief Accounting Officer
Hi! I'm Jillian, a Kelowna Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 14 years of experience working exclusively with small businesses helping them thrive through accounting, tax, and mentorship solutions.
After working at several different accounting firms I opened up Creekside Accounting in 2016. My team and I strive to help our clients become heroes to their families and friends. To flourish as a business owner. Why? Because small business owners are a HUGE foundation for our entire local economy. They create jobs in our community, fuel innovation in our society, keep tax dollars local, and bring us all great products and services.
Small business owners also have a very steep uphill battle. Eighty percent fail within the first five years. We want to eradicate small business failure.
As a business owner myself, I know the daily challenges that come from owning your own business. Like you, I know that failure is terrifying. It is a deep pit in the bottom of your stomach and comes with sleepless nights and constant worry. This might be normal, but this doesn’t have to happen to you. Not anymore.
Initially, I struggled as a business owner - not having the skills needed to run a business. Eventually, I turned to books, lectures, and other developmental resources – finding the wealth of knowledge and experience I had been missing. As a result, my business, and my client's businesses, are now flourishing. My team and I want to bring the same outcome to you. We want to use what we've learned to help you succeed. We want to be more than your accountant. We want to be your strategic partner.
No one should have to feel alone or overwhelmed in their entrepreneurial journey. We want you to succeed, make money, and have less stress.
We are constantly seeking to improve your life and make running your business easier.
Reach out today and let’s see how we can grow together.
Renee Altman, Senior Tax Preparer & Bookkeeper
Renee was raised in a small town in the Kootenays and moved to the ‘big city’ of Kelowna after high school where opportunities awaited. She completed her degree in Human Kinetics at UBCO and then specialized in holistic nutrition at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.
After several years of experience in the administrative role and running her own nutrition consulting business, Renee decided to challenge herself in a new profession. When she completed her administrative assistant certificate (with distinction) at Okanagan College, she joined the Creekside Accounting team in 2019 as administrative support.
Renee has since moved from the administrative role to senior bookkeeper and personal tax preparer at Creekside Accounting. On her time off she loves baking, outdoor activities including hiking, exploring in the side-by-side, dirt biking, and other adventurous sports.
Melissa Francisco, Tax Preparer & Bookkeeper
Melissa was born and raised in the Philippines where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Computer Engineering.
Before moving to Kelowna, she spent almost 12 years working in the banking industry. She built her career from the ground up starting in a teller position and being promoted to a service manager role. Working in banking opened the door for her to expand her learning and she became curious about accounting. In 2019 she enrolled in a Business Administration Diploma majoring in accounting at Okanagan College. She loved the subject and her marks reflected this. She was consistently recognized as a top student for the two years of her diploma program.
Upon graduation Melissa began her Bookkeeping and Accounting Career at Creekside Accounting. During her free time Melissa enjoys time with friends and family, eating awesome Asian cuisine, watching Netflix, and spending time outdoors biking and hiking.
If there's something Melissa has learned in life it's to have the courage to reach high and accept additional responsibility. Everything that is worth it in life takes effort and hard work and Melissa isn't afraid to step up to the plate.
Danielle, Corporate & Personal Tax Preparer
Danielle was born and raised in Morrisburg, Ontario. After high school she pursued further education in Kingston, Ontario at St. Lawrence College and Laurentian University where she obtained her Business Administration Accounting Diploma followed by her Bachelors of Business Administration Degree.
Danielle has worked in data entry and accounts payable in the construction/property management industry. In July 2021 she achieved a lifelong dream by moving to B.C. with her boyfriend. The mountains were calling and Danielle loves the outdoors - the Okanagan was a perfect fit.
When Danielle’s not working, she likes to spend time with friends and family, cuddle with her 2 cats, sing, and cook! Danielle also has a small business of her own making scented beeswax products and enjoys being creative!
Amanda, Bookkeeper
Amanda is a true valley girl having been born and raised in the beautiful Okanagan. Amanda now resides in Lake Country where she is raising her own family.
Amanda attended Okanagan College and received her diploma in Civil Engineering Technology (with distinction). After graduation she began her career in Construction Management until the birth of her first son in 2016.
In 2017 Amanda’s husband, Mike, started his own company and Amanda became the Office Administrator and Bookkeeper. They welcomed their second son in 2018 and while being a full-time stay at home mom to their two boys Amanda expanded her home -based bookkeeping business.
Through her bookkeeping Amanda began a working relationship with Creekside Accounting to take care of her client's corporate and personal income taxes. After 3 years of collaborating with Creekside, Amanda joined the team as a part-time internal bookkeeper and corporate tax preparer.
When Amanda isn’t busy taking care of books, businesses, or her boy’s busy schedules, she loves being at the lake, playing with the kids, organizing the house and spending time family.
Brenton, Office Administrator
Brenton was born and raised in Australia where he graduated with a Bachelor of Information Technology degree majoring in Data Communications.
Before moving to Kelowna, he spent his twenties working as a Network Engineer for one of the largest technology companies in Australia. In 2008 he travelled to Banff. Planning on staying for only a ski season he quickly fell in love with the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. A six-month trip turned into a four-year long adventure.
Upon returning to Australia, he worked in Information Technology, met his future wife, sold all their worldly possessions and together returned to Banff where he worked as a Restaurant Manager. After the long winters in the Rocky Mountains, it was time for a change and in 2021 he moved to the Okanagan for the warmer weather and beautiful scenery.
Having an interest in finance and accounting Brenton joined the Creekside team here in Kelowna. It was a natural fit where his IT skills provide a great benefit to the firm and its clients.
In his spare time Brenton enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, watching Netflix, going for walks, camping, golfing, skiing, and playing video games.
How About You???
We are always on the lookout for exceptional team members in our administration, bookkeeping, accounting, taxation, or managerial roles.
If you are someone who is industrious, growth and detail oriented, warm, friendly, and fun you may be a great fit.
Our ideal team member will be proactive and self-motivated in their working style, have an exceptional work ethic and integrity, and care deeply about customer service as well as kindness towards others.
We make significant investments in our people, which is why we take great care to hire those who we believe will thrive over the long term. We are building a unique corporate culture that sets us apart and provides:
- A fun and welcoming workplace
- A fast-paced and engaging work environment
- Ongoing personal development and career learning
- Opportunities for career advancement
If you are interested in a position please prepare an application package that includes a cover letter, resume, and transcript if you are new grad. Applications can be submitted through email (below).
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